On the heels of his June 2024 release, South of Here, Nathaniel Rateliff dropped a little news this week: Newport Folk has created a Stewardship Program and named Rateliff as the first artist to hold such an appointment since Pete Seeger.

Of course, Newport Folk Festival is one of the most storied events in the realm of American roots music. Its stages have famously hosted countless folk and roots artists across generations — Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Mavis Staples, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Brandi Carlile, Dawes, Allison Russell, Dolly Parton, Maggie Rogers, The Avett Brothers, Joni Mitchell, and the list goes on. The Stewardship Program was created to honor both Seeger and the festival’s founder George Wein.

According to a press release:

At its core, the program hopes to identify remarkable individuals with a demonstrated history of enriching and supporting the legacy of Newport Folk. The Newport Folk Stewards will pledge to continually challenge and celebrate the “Folk Family” by pioneering meaningful initiatives that impact the future of the Festival in significant and collaborative ways.

Its first appointee is acclaimed artist and band-leader Nathaniel Rateliff. Chosen for his artistry, perseverance and continued allyship, the position holds a three-year term, which will see Rateliff serving as Steward actively for two years and advising the next recipient during a third transition year. As the first Newport Folk Steward, Rateliff has chosen to devote his term to artist advocacy, fellowship and mentorship both at the Fort and beyond.

Fans know well that, in addition to making some of the finest roots music, Rateliff has dedicated a significant portion of his time to community building and artist advocacy. Bringing him into this role for Newport Folk marks a logical next step in his career, atop his current tour, which culminates next March at Madison Square Garden.

And with that bit of news, I bid ND adieu yet again. Next time this column drops, it will come from Meredith Lawrence, incoming web editor. Treat her nice!

WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO

Dwight Yoakam and Post Malone – “Wide Open Heart”
Woody Platt – “Toe the Line”

Joy Oladokun – “I’d Miss the Birds”
Chuck Prophet – “Wake the Dead”
Maggie Rogers – “In the Living Room”
AJ Lee and Blue Summit – “I Still Think of Her”
Amythyst Kiah and Butch Walker – “Silk and Petals”
Grace Bowers and The Hodge Podge, f/ Lucie Silvas, Caroline Jones, Sierra Hull, and SistaStrings – “Going to California (Led Zeppelin Cover)” (on the heels of a benefit concert for WhyHunger)